New York car accidents, personal injury, laws, settlements, tips and more

Motorist accident reports

“Did You Get Your Accident Report?”

One of the fist questions an attorney will ask you is “did you obtain an accident report?”.

There are steps you take immediately following an accident are vital to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The police report is one of those things.

Why is a police report so important?

Call NYPD to the scene of the accident.

NYPD when arriving at the scene of an accident has 5 main objectives.

Make sure that EMS is called for those that are injured.

Take pictures of the scene.

and take physical measurements in most cases.

Obtain statements from the drivers involved as well as any witnesses to the accident.

Take notes in order to prepare a police report of the accident.

The officer at the scene my include his opinion of how the accident took place and who was responsible. However, this is not a set in stone factor to the determination of your claim. It is important that you obtain the police report as will your insurance carrier, and the insurer of the other driver will do so as well. The police report to all involved is like a book report of the incident that will be used to access the value of your claim.

The police reports basic function is designed to help the police, not necessarily your case. However, an attorney may rely upon a police report just to get the facts in question to justify your claim for compensation.

The police report is the ammunition a personal injury lawyer may need to combat the insurance company of the at-fault-drivers insurance company. Insurance companies DO NOT WAN TO PAY! They will say and do just about anything like, “Your case is not worth much”. Trust your attorney to negotiate with the other guys insurance — DO NOT handle legal matters alone.

Remember a police report is an important document to the attorney handling your case. It is recorded documentation of the the car accident you were involved in. It will include conditions, other vehicles and drivers involved, including any possible statements made at the scene.